Queensland is looking for people to fill a range of skill shortages

Queensland is looking for skilled migrants in occupations that have been identified as being in shortage in Queensland. Queensland is a popular choice for skilled migrants, with its year-round beautiful weather and great career opportunities. It is an ideal place to work and live, offering a high standard of living and good working conditions, including:

Equal opportunity in the workplace

Safe working conditions

The world’s highest minimum wage (OECD 2013)

Entitlements including public holidays and leave.

If you wish to migrate and work in Queensland, you must first obtain a visa. State nominated visas allow you to live and work in Queensland and fall into two categories:

Provisional visas which are a pathway to permanent residency

Permanent residency which allows migrants to live and work in Queensland permanently.

State migration is managed by the Queensland Government’s Business and Skilled Migration Queensland (BSMQ) unit. BSMQ nominates skilled migrants for the following visas:

This is a point-tested visa for skilled workers and postgraduate alumni who wish to live and work in Queensland permanently. The Queensland postgraduate degree stream offers streamlined conditions for Masters and PhD graduates from a Queensland-based university.

If you are a current holder of a Skilled Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 489) you will not be eligible for nomination for the Skilled Nominated (Permanent) visa (subclass 190).

Excludes Greater Brisbane area and the Gold Coast. Includes the following postcodes: 4124 to 4125, 4133, 4211, 4270 to 4272, 4275, 4280, 4285, 4287, 4307 to 4499, 4515, 4517 to 4519, 4522 to 4899.

To find other visa options that suit your circumstances, please use the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) Visa Finder.

Offshore university PhD graduates waiver

PhD graduates who have completed a doctorate outside of Australia related to their nominated occupation, may be able to have their work experience requirements waived if they can provide evidence of an offer of employment from a Queensland employer registered in Australia in their skilled occupation (or a closely related occupation). This job offer must be for a minimum of 12 months (35 hours per week).

Eligible occupations

To apply for a skilled visa, you must have an occupation which is listed on one of the Queensland Skilled Occupation Lists (QSOLs). QSOLs are reviewed regularly and updated to reflect current labour market conditions. Please note:

Certain occupations have specific specialisations or licensing requirements are needed in order to work in Queensland.

Certain occupations have limited places and when filled, further applications for state nomination will not be accepted.

To check if your occupation is in demand in Queensland, view the relevant occupation list below.

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